E-COP gets building for meetings

“We're moving forward,” commented Jim Riley, Webmaster and director of Every Citizen On Patrol (E-COP) Friday, when he announced that E-COP recently acquired a building that will be utilized in many different ways.

Comment

By Melissa Martinez

The Helena Arkansas Daily World - Helena, AR

By Melissa Martinez

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM

By Melissa Martinez

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM

“We're moving forward,” commented Jim Riley, Webmaster and director of Every Citizen On Patrol (E-COP) Friday, when he announced that E-COP recently acquired a building that will be utilized in many different ways.
“Our goal is to create a place where the citizens can recognize and address the community issues while having options to speak out on several of the injustices that plague our community and hopefully opening the lines of communication from within,” said Riley.
Through personal funding and donations that have trickled in, E-COP now has a place to “hang its hat” so to speak, but the number of contributors and members has yet to rise.
“What's happening is a lack of community support and a higher demand of proof that these organizations of services work,” commented Riley.
Consequently, this is why, Riley says, the number of services have dwindled.
Riley stated that with criminal activity rising, fear has set in and with that the loss of hope for a turn around. Riley said that the idea of E-COP came about when he realized that the community should have the opportunity to speak out about their concerns within the cities while remaining anonymous.
“That's one of the reasons we have joined forces with AlertID,” added Riley.
Riley is hoping that now that a building has been secured, a reach out to the community help can begin.
“Our goal is to secure a social network between AlertID, the community and the many entities that protect and serve the very citizens of this community who have grown tired of the break-ins and the constant fear for their safety,” continued Riley.
Riley stressed that this is not a one-man mission and that in order to change, the community should work together as a whole and establish an effort that can stand strong against the injustices that have created fear in the hearts of so many.
“We are providing people options so that they can feel comfortable to let their voice be heard. AlertID is a free public service available online and on mobile applications for your phone. Everyone who has a cell phone should have AlertID,” reported Riley.
In order to create a social network within the community, E-COP needs the community entities, leaders and the citizens to get involved in crime prevention and community activities. “
We need to gain our pride back as a community and as the city of Helena-West Helena,” said Riley.
Riley stated that currently a website has been set up called e-cop.org where citizens of Helena-West Helena can report any suspicious behavior while remaining anonymous. Riley says that by taking this course of action, citizens will feel that they have taken a part in redirecting the community in a more positive direction by providing vital information that someone else might not have.
“You may be the missing link,” commented Riley.
In retrospect to being part of the community activity effort, E-COP will be hosting the Eastern Arkansas Summer Slam Talent Extravaganza July 6, 13, and 20 starting at 6 p.m. at 215 York St.
“E-COP is all for the community and we are excited to be hosting a positive event in our new building,” said Riley.
Riley explained that the building is going to be available for youth training programs, web and video interest programs and of course the local community events.
“We want to show our support to the many that make this community great and in turn receive some insight from the citizens for the continued effort that helps move this community forward to a better tomorrow,” concluded Riley.
For more information on how to become a registered member of E-COP visit www.e-cop.org.